Boy who dreamed of being a police officer succumbs to a brain tumor

And for a short few weeks, Erick Casillas embraced that dream — even if it was only an honorary title.

The 8-year-youth touched the hearts of Gardena Police Department personnel, including Chief Ed Medrano. So, during the holidays the chief and members of the force visited Erick.

Unfortunately, the boy was facing an unbeatable assailant — a brain tumor. He was on borrowed time, as the cliché goes.

On Jan. 6, less than a month since his meeting with GPD officers, Erick died in the morning hours.

“It is with a heavy heart that the men and women of the Gardena Police Department announce Erick Casillas passed away with his family by his side,” a GPD press release said.

He was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in late 2012. A year later, Erick “was in the final stages of his brave battle with the disease,” the press release read.

Eric “stole the hearts of the men and women of the Gardena Police Department,” Lt. Steve Prendergast said. “Even though Erick was unable to walk and speak full sentences, the joy and sparkle in his eyes conveyed more than any words could ever do.”

Police personnel met Erick Dec. 6 at his home and brought him police memorabilia, including a police officer badge, Prendergast said. He also received his own junior police officer uniform.

The boy’s family put all of their energies into caring for the him this past year. Visiting police noted that the Christmas spirit was a little void. So a Christmas tree was brought to the Casillas home, and police even delivered a Santa for a pre-Christmas visit.

Special arrangements were made on Dec. 19 to take the boy on a police ride-along.

For a short time, “Officer Erick was on patrol.

“He will forever be a part of our family,” Chief Medrano said.

Funeral arrangements are pending. “Donations are sorely needed and appreciated,” police said. Anyone wishing to donate can visit www.juniorfoundation.org, or make a deposit into a special account set up by the family at Chase Bank, under the name Erick Casillas or Ana Erica Barragan (account number 437120921).